Trump Could be Forced to Choose Between Science and His Base Due to Climate Report

The release of an important government report on climate change will push President Trump’s hand to choose between accepting the conclusions of his scientists and the demands of his supporters

However, the publication of the climate report which concludes that “evidence for a changing climate abounds, from the top of the atmosphere to the depths of the oceans” once again brings in a policy issue that has strongly divided Mr. Trump’s advisers since he came into the Oval Office.

Just like his June decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, Trump’s response this time will have broad implications for the American community of science.

“We’ll be watching the administration very carefully on this,” said Kassie Siegel of the Center for Biological Diversity. She once sued President Bush after his administration stalled the release of a previous climate change assessment. Moreover, she mentioned that her group would be “assessing all legal options, and returning to court at the earliest possible time to ensure that this essential report is released as required.”

The presidents are required to conduct the special report every four years, which is part of the National Climate Assessment. It details all the risks that climate change brings to the US, while also informs federal agencies and local policy makers as they get ready for droughts, rising sea levels and more.

In a speech in South Carolina, Donald Trump criticized President Barack Obama for discussing about climate change, strongly putting an accent on the fact that if he was to be elected, he would take a different approach.

“A lot of it’s a hoax, it’s a hoax I mean, it’s a moneymaking industry, O.K.? It’s a hoax, a lot of it.” said Mr. Trump